In this episode, Marisa interviews Los Angeles-based director and puppeteer Ricky Chavez. Ricky grew up in California and studied Jazz and Saxophone Performance in college. Always curious and creative, he decided to build a puppet and has been puppeteering ever since. He shares how to build and use puppets and provides puppeteering resources. They also talk about his work with directing videos for music and his project with Sabrina Carpenter. Full of passion, Ricky reminds artists about the importance of play and trying new things.

This episode is also available in video on YouTube. Make sure to check it out to see Ricky puppeteer!

Follow Ricky @rikemind

Check out more of his videos on YouTube at rikemind1795

In this episode, Marisa interviews animator, director, and producer Howy Parkins. Howy grew up in Canada watching Saturday morning cartoons and drawing TV characters. After studying animation in college, Howy traveled around Europe working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Star Wars: Ewoks. He eventually moved to Los Angeles and worked as a director for Disney’s The Lion Guard, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Recess, Emperor’s New School and Hailey’s On It. With an extensive career, Howy shares fun stories along the way and provides insight into the animation industry today.

Check out Howy’s career on IMDB and catch his work on streaming platforms now.

In this episode, Marisa interviews award-winning illustrator, author and designer Dave Szalay. While growing up in Ohio, Dave was always doodling in school. After studying graphic design, owning his own ad agency and teaching, he returned to school to receive his MFA in Illustration. With five published, picture books, Dave gives a behind the scenes look into the world of creating children’s literature. From drawing monsters and animals to nature and Abraham Lincoln, Dave hopes that his whimsical images bring joy and make reading fun for all children.

Follow Dave on Instagram @daveszalayillo

Check out his website at https://www.daveszalay.com

Buy his books here or at your local bookstore